In the fourth and final chapter of Zero Hanger'sย positional rankings for the final week leading up to the 2023ย AFL Draft, we'll be counting down the five best midfielders on offer.

Victoria and Tasmania make up our list of the leading midfielders, who combine to offer both inside and outside hustle and a balance of speed, clean ball use, contested work and attacking traits.

All five midfielders could fetch a selection within the top 10 of next week's draft, while the No.1 onballer is destined to be the first name called on Monday night.

SEE ALSO:ย THE FIVE BEST FORWARDS FOR THE 2023 AFL DRAFT
SEE ALSO:ย THE FIVE BEST DEFENDERS FOR THE 2023 AFL DRAFT
SEE ALSO:ย THE FIVE BEST RUCKMEN FOR THE 2023 AFL DRAFT

Accompanied by comments fromย AFL Talent Ambassador Kevin Sheehan, here are the FIVE best midfielders for the 2023 AFL Draft...

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1. Harley Reid

Position: Midfielder
Height: 187cm
Weight: 85kg
State: Victoria
Club: Tongala

The headline act of this year's draft class, with Reid's expected selection at Pick 1 an outcome that has been a long time coming.

The Bengido Pioneers utility can play anywhere on the field, but his best role comes in the middle where he can flex his physical strength and explosiveness around the ball.

Was a standout at any level he played this year, which included matches in the VFL for Essendon and Carlton, while also being viewed as the best performer for the AFL Academy in their maiden match against Port Adelaide's SANFL side.

Is one of the most ready-made teenagers that have come through the draft in the past decade, with Reid set to excite fans from the opening round next year.

Could be deployed at half-back, in attack or in the centre, with the Tongala native the cream of this year's crop.

ADELAIDE, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 15: Harley Reid of the AFL Academy in action during the match between the AFL Academy and Port Adelaide Magpies at Summit Sports Park on April 15, 2023 in Adelaide, Australia. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

Kevin Sheehan says:ย An exciting prospect who opened the National Championships with three goals in the first five minutes of Victoria Country's clash against South Australia which continued to build his reputation as a unique prospect. He this year confirmed his ability to impact the game whether forward, midfield or down back. Starred throughout the Championships playing in the midfield and changing forward, with his ability to win the contested ball at ground level or overhead among his many weapons.

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